Alternative Energy Sources
The issue of depending on oil on a global scale has been in question for a long time with suggestions that application of alternative sources of energy will eliminate dependency. Due to the argument on this, it is important to weigh the options on how each of the two is true and how they work, hence the essence of this essay.
The Impact of Alternative Energy Resources in a Sustainable World
The use of alternative energy resources such as solar power, hydel power, tidal power, wind energy, geothermal energy and biogas as a substitute to fossil fuel-based energy resources is being discussed at various levels.
The issue is being analyzed from technical, economic, environmental and political perspectives, with a number of arguments coming in favour of the use of alternative energy resources as well as arguments against it. In the sections below, the arguments made in favour as well as against the substitution of alternative energy resources for fossil fuel resources are identified and discussed.
Arguments in Favour of Alternative Energy Resources for a Sustainable Environment
The arguments typically made in favour of the use of alternative energy resources as opposed to fossil fuel resources tends to emphasize the ubiquity and clean effects of these resources (Nelson, 2011, p. 4).
Alternative Energy Resources are Renewable
The argument made in favour of replacing fossil fuels with alternative energy resources states that alternative energy resources such as solar power, wind and ocean tides are renewable (Miller and Spoolman, 2007, p. 304). In other words, they cannot be depleted so we do not have to worry about increasing costs as a result of declining supply.
On the other hand fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas are non-renewable. Or at least, the formation process can take millions of years. This creates a gap between...